Written Answers Tuesday 26 May 2009

Scottish Executive

2014 Commonwealth Games

Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether ministers have visited cities outside Scotland to learn from their experiences of hosting a national sporting event and facilities development in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, how many times ministers have visited cities outside Scotland that have previously hosted a national sporting event.

Shona Robison: Yes. Since May 2007, the following visits took place where the programme, or an element of the programme, related to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

  

 Date
 City
 Minister


 October 2008
 Pune
 Minister for Communities and Sport


 October 2008
 Barcelona
 Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture


 December 2008
 Barcelona
 First Minister


 March 2009
 Dubai
 Minister for Public Health and Sport


 March 2009
 London
 Minister for Public Health and Sport


 April 2009
 Vancouver
 Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution

Bankruptcy

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many companies have been declared insolvent in each of the last 10 years, broken down by local authority area.

Fergus Ewing: Details of corporate insolvencies are compiled by financial year. A breakdown of the figures by Creditor Voluntary Liquidation, Compulsory Liquidation and Receivership is shown in the attached table. These figures refer to limited companies only as partnerships and other unincorporated business associations, which are declared bankrupt in Scotland, are registered as personal bankruptcies under Scottish law. Figures on these are not available separately from other personal bankruptcies.

  Details of corporate insolvencies broken down by local authority is not available.

  Further information regarding bankruptcy figures, including the agency’s annual reports, are available on the Accountant in Bankruptcy website, www.aib.gov.uk.

  

 Financial Year
 Creditors Voluntary Liquidations
 Compulsory Liquidations
 Receiverships


 2008-09*
 306
 633
 32


 2007-08
 490
 505
 74


 2006-07
 97
 558
 35


 2005-06
 161
 469
 31


 2004-05
 175
 465
 70


 2003-04
 207
 439
 102


 2002-03
 211
 533
 122


 2001-02
 227
 459
 86


 2000-01
 248
 375
 104


 1999-2000
 205
 194
 57 



  Note: *2008-09 figures are provisional, any company insolvencies not yet recorded will be included in the Annual Report to be published later in the year by the Accountant in Bankruptcy.

Cancer

Linda Fabiani (Central Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the incidence has been of cancers affecting the head in each year for which information is available.

Nicola Sturgeon: Please note that cancers of the head and neck are not separated for Information Services Division (ISD) statistics.

  Data on the number of people diagnosed with head and neck cancers is available for Scotland by NHS Region and NHS board and years (1985 to 2006) on the Information Services Division website at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/1446.html and is summarised in the following table:

  

 Year
 Incidences
 Year
 Incidences


 1985
 753
 1996
 1,049


 1986
 734
 1997
 937


 1987
 714
 1998
 1,008


 1988
 759
 1999
 1,058


 1989
 798
 2000
 965


 1990
 825
 2001
 1,021


 1991
 830
 2002
 1,011


 1992
 839
 2003
 1,035


 1993
 867
 2004
 1,029


 1994
 889
 2005
 995


 1995
 935
 2006
 1,065



  Data on the number of people diagnosed with brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) cancers are available for Scotland by NHS region and NHS board and years (1985 to 2006) on the Information Services Division website at http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/1395.html and is summarised below:

  

 Year
 Incidences
 Year
 Incidences


 1985 
 334 
 1996 
 391


 1986 
 283 
 1997 
 359


 1987 
 303 
 1998 
 357


 1988 
 320 
 1999 
 392


 1989 
 283 
 2000 
 429


 1990 
 368 
 2001 
 403


 1991 
 353 
 2002 
 387


 1992 
 371 
 2003 
 374


 1993 
 391 
 2004 
 399


 1994 
 373 
 2005 
 355


 1995 
 349 
 2006 
 380



  The latest year for which cancer registration data is complete is 2006.

Community Safety

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how it ensures that all images captured by public space CCTV are stored securely.

Fergus Ewing: It is for the operators and owners of CCTV systems to ensure that they have systems and procedures in place in order to comply with all relevant legal and other requirements regarding storage of images.

  Guidance on this, and other CCTV issues, can be found on the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.ico.gov.uk.

Community Safety

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive for how long images captured by public space CCTV are stored.

Fergus Ewing: It is for the operators and owners of CCTV systems to determine how long images captured on their CCTV systems are stored for, having regard to all relevant legal and other requirements.

  Guidance on this, and other CCTV issues, can be found on the website of the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.ico.gov.uk.

Community Safety

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18668 by Fergus Ewing on 8 December 2008, whether it will issue the instruction to hold central data records of the number of public space CCTV cameras.

Fergus Ewing: The strategic review of public space CCTV in Scotland includes a landscaping element which provides us with the figures for public space CCTV in Scotland covering a single year.

  This is the first time that such information has been gathered. Alongside the other areas of the review it will help identify where the effectiveness of public space CCTV in Scotland can be improved.

  While it is too early to indicate what our intentions might be, we will look to build upon the output of the review.

Community Safety

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how much funding has been provided for the installation of CCTV in town centres in each of the last five years, broken down by funding stream.

Fergus Ewing: Funding has been made available to all local authority Community Safety Partnerships over the period 2005-08 to identify and address local community safety priorities, which can include CCTV. Funding has also been provided under the Safe Cities and Towns initiative, details of which can be found on the Scottish Government website at www.scotland.gov.uk .

  Under the concordat agreed between Scottish ministers and COSLA, funding for community safety and antisocial behaviour has been absorbed into the main local government settlement since 1 April 2008.

  It is the responsibility of each local authority, in conjunction with their Community Planning Partners, to allocate funding on the basis of their local needs and priorities having first fulfilled their statutory obligations and the jointly agreed set of national and local priorities, including the Scottish Government’s key strategic objectives and manifesto commitments.

Concessionary Travel

Maureen Watt (North East Scotland) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive when it expects to publish the report of its review of the Scotland-wide free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people.

Stewart Stevenson: I am pleased to say that today I have made arrangements for copies of the report to be available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 48145). The report will also be published on the Scottish Government website.

Council of Economic Advisors

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations the First Minister has received from the Council of Economic Advisers on (a) energy, (b) the financial sector and (c) unemployment in the last six months.

John Swinney: Scottish Government electricity policy was discussed by the Council at its sixth meeting on 15 May 2009.

  At the fifth meeting, in January 2009, the key sector, financial and business services, was discussed by the Council.

  The most recent representation the First Minister has received from the Council of Economic Advisers on unemployment was Chapter 5 of its Annual Report, published in December 2008.

  The minutes of Council meetings and the Annual Report are available for download on the Scottish Government website. The minutes of the sixth meeting will be published in due course.

Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 have been held in prison establishments and young offenders institutions under section 51(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each year since 1999.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  Information on the number of children under 16 held in a Scottish prison or young offenders institution under section 51(1)(b) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 is shown in the following table.

  Number of Children Under 16 Held in Scottish Prisons or Young Offender Institutions Under Section 51(1)(b): 1999 to 2008

  

 1999
 0


 2000
 2


 2001
 8


 2002
 19


 2003
 16


 2004
 14


 2005
 15


 2006
 26


 2007
 13


 2008
 13



  Note: Data for 2008 are provisional.

Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 have been held in prison establishments and young offenders institutions under section (a) 205 and (b) 208 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 in each year since 1999.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Number of Individual Children Under 16 Held in Scottish Prisons or Young Offender Institutions Under Section 205/208: 2003 to 2008

  

 2003
 4


 2004
 0


 2005
 1


 2006
 0


 2007
 2


 2008
 2



  Figures for 1999 to 2002 are unavailable.

Dentistry

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many children have been treated in a dental hospital in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

Shona Robison: Information on number of new outpatient attendances to dental hospitals for children (less than 18 years) by NHS board of residence is provided in the following table.

  

 
 Financial Year


 NHS Board of Residence
 2004-05
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08
 2008-094


 Scotland 
 36,111
 38,723
 35,545
 38,179
 38,951


 Ayrshire and Arran
 490
 522
 424
 415
 474


 Borders
 364
 475
 454
 401
 376


 Dumfries and Galloway
 89
 122
 129
 136
 108


 Fife 
 623
 610
 563
 1,071
 1,143


 Forth Valley 
 566
 664
 630
 687
 707


 Grampian
 81
 70
 32
 147
 163


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 15,767
 18,108
 15,902
 14,215
 13,849


 Highland 
 793
 860
 824
 778
 778


 Lanarkshire
 3,488
 3,881
 3,615
 3,243
 3,009


 Lothian
 10,820
 11,070
 10,971
 10,116
 10,413


 Orkney
 *
 *
 *
 *
 *


 Shetland
 *
 *
 *
 *
 *


 Tayside
 3,024
 2,325
 1,985
 6,955
 7,915


 Western Isles
 *
 14
 15
 13
 10



  Source: SMR00, ISD.

  Notes:

  1. "*" Five or less

  2. It is possible that a patient may have more than one new outpatient appointment in the course of a year and will be counted each time.

  3. It should be noted that, prior to 2008, some new outpatient attendances for Dundee Dental Hospital were recorded incorrectly resulting in low numbers being reported for this period. This discrepancy may explain the increase from 2008 onward.

  4. Figures for 2008-09 are provisional.

  Information on number of children admitted to a dental hospital has been previously provided in the answer to question S3W-23152 on 5 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Drug Misuse

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many arrests for drug-related offences have been made in the Lothian and Borders police force area in each of the last 10 years.

Kenny MacAskill: Information on the number of arrests made by the police is not held centrally, only the number of crimes recorded. The following table shows the number of drug-related crimes and offences recorded by Lothian and Borders Police Force from 1998-99 to 2007-08:

  Drug-Related Crimes and Offences Recorded by Lothian and Borders Police Force, 1998-99 to 2007-08

  

 Crime Group
 1998-99
 1999-2000
 2000-01
 2001-02
 2002-03


 Non-sexual crimes of violence:
 
 
 
 
 


 Drugging
 0
 1
 0
 0
 0


 Other crimes:
 
 
 
 
 


 Illegal importation of drugs
 0
 0
 1
 3
 0


 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs
 35
 37
 40
 32
 44


 Supply, possession with intent to supply of drugs
 1,117
 1304
 1,767
 1,912
 1,948


 Possession of drugs
 2,796
 3415
 3,425
 3,722
 4,366


 Drugs, money laundering related offences
 0
 1
 0
 0
 0


 Drugs, other offences
 98
 97
 25
 28
 35


 Total crimes and offences
 4,046
 4,855
 5,258
 5,697
 6,393



  

 Crime Group
 2003-04
 2004-05
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08


 Non-sexual crimes of violence:
 
 
 
 
 


 Drugging
 0
 20
 12
 28
 15


 Other crimes:
 
 
 
 
 


 Illegal importation of drugs
 1
 0
 16
 1
 4


 Production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs
 53
 52
 80
 91
 112


 Supply, possession with intent to supply of drugs
 1,677
 1896
 1,884
 2,532
 2,221


 Possession of drugs
 4,047
 3934
 4,204
 3,985
 3,501


 Drugs, money laundering related offences
 0
 0
 0
 0
 0


 Drugs, other offences
 23
 32
 20
 17
 61


 Total crimes and offences
 5,801
 5,934
 6,216
 6,654
 5,914



  Source: Scottish Government Justice Analytical Services.

  The common definition, used within police forces, is that a crime of drugging is committed when drugs are surreptitiously or dishonestly administered with the intent of incapacitating the victim.

  There are three further crimes/offences for which drugs may be a contributory factor – causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs, driving a motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs and being in charge of motor vehicle while unfit through drink or drugs. We are not able to identify the number of such crimes/offences specifically relating to drugs and as such have not included these figures in the above table.

Drug Misuse

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has issued on the use of burprenorphine or suboxine in the treatment of heroin addiction as part of choice in management and recovery for addicts.

Fergus Ewing: The Drug Misuse and Dependence: UK Guidelines on Clinical Management (sometimes known as the Orange Book) provide guidelines for clinicians on the treatment of drug misuse. This includes information on pharmacological interventions including buprenorphine and Suboxone®. The Scottish Government strongly supports these guidelines as stated in the drug strategy - The Road to Recovery .

  A copy of the guidelines can be found at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2007/09/drug-clinical-guidelines.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of sheriff court convictions of women were in respect of an offence related to misuse of (a) alcohol and (b) drugs in the Lothians region in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court.

Kenny MacAskill: The available information in given in the following table:

  Women with a Charge Proved in Scottish Sheriff Courts for Drug and-Alcohol Related Offences1, 2005-06 to 2007-08, Expressed as a Percentage of the Total Number of Women with a Charge Proved for All Offences in Each Sheriff Court

  

 Sheriff Court
 Drug-Related Offences2
 Alcohol-Related Offences3


 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08


 Edinburgh 
 9.1
 9.1
 8.7
 9.0
 7.7
 9.6


 Haddington 
 7.3
 6.7
 10.0
 18.3
 20.2
 23.6


 Linlithgow 
 3.7
 5.5
 5.6
 10.0
 10.1
 10.6



  Notes:

  1. Where main offence.

  2. Identifiable drugs-related offences included in the table include: Illegal importation of drugs; production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs; supply and possession with intent to supply; possession of drugs, and money laundering related offences.

  3. Identifiable alcohol-related offences included in the table include: Drunkenness; offences by licensed persons; other offences against liquor licensing laws; consumption of alcohol in designated places where byelaws prohibit; being drunk while riding a bicycle, and drunk driving.

Drug and Alcohol Misuse

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what proportion of sheriff court convictions of men were in respect of an offence related to misuse of (a) alcohol and (b) drugs in the Lothians region in each of the last three years, broken down by sheriff court.

Kenny MacAskill: The available information in given in the following table:

  Men with a Charge Proved in Scottish Sheriff Courts for Drug and Alcohol-Related Offences1, 2005-06 to 2007-08, Expressed as a Percentage of the Total Number of Men with a Charge Proved for all Offences in Each Sheriff Court

  

 Sheriff Court
 Drug-Related Offences2
 Alcohol-Related Offences3


 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08


 Edinburgh 
 5.9
 6.3
 7.6
 9.7
 8.5
 8.6


 Haddington 
 6.9
 4.4
 5.2
 15.0
 15.0
 17.3


 Linlithgow 
 6.1
 5.4
 4.6
 13.3
 10.5
 9.9



  Notes:

  1. Where main offence.

  2. Identifiable drugs-related offences included in the table include: Illegal importation of drugs; production, manufacture or cultivation of drugs; supply and possession with intent to supply; possession of drugs, and money laundering related offences.

  3. Identifiable alcohol-related offences included in the table include: Drunkenness; offences by licensed persons; other offences against liquor licensing laws; consumption of alcohol in designated places where byelaws prohibit; being drunk while riding a bicycle, and drunk driving.

Economy

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what criteria or factors it uses to differentiate the Scottish economy from that of the United Kingdom.

John Swinney: The Scottish economy is, where possible, identified according to the geographical location of economic activity.

Education

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its intention to reintroduce an annual collection of reported physical and verbal attacks in schools and, if so, what action it has taken to do this and when the collection will commence.

Keith Brown: The Scottish Government wants the best, robust, most up to date and comprehensive evidence base on behaviour in schools, including serious indiscipline and violence. The 2009 Behaviour in Scottish Schools survey is well underway and will report back this autumn. This government, working in partnership with the Scottish Advisory Group on Behaviour in Schools (comprising all the main teaching unions, COSLA, GTCS and HMIE), has improved the survey to provide clearer data on the perception and experience of serious indiscipline and violence, as well as whether incidents were reported and how staff were supported through follow up. The sample size was also increased to improve the accuracy of the data.

  Once the survey has been published, we can then determine if the improvements provide sufficient information to monitor serious indiscipline and violence in schools.

Education

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its position that there is merit in standardised information on discipline being produced and, if so, what action it has taken to produce such information and when it will be available.

Keith Brown: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-23727 on 26 May 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

Energy

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will take into account when reaching a decision on the proposed Beauly to Denny power line (a) the Health Protection Agency’s acknowledgement of an association between prolonged exposure to intense power frequency magnetic fields and a raised risk of childhood leukaemia, (b) proposed legislation in Germany and Austria in relation to undergrounding 400kV overhead power lines that pass within 200 metres of single homes and 400 metres of residential areas, (c) that the proposed legislation in Germany and Austria could result in the undergrounding of up to 250 kilometres of 400kV power lines in Lower Saxony and Thuringen in Germany, (d) the decision last year to underground 60 kilometres of the interconnector between France and Spain and (e) the decision to remove 52 pylons, 60 metres high, and underground 130 kilometres of overhead lines in east London for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Jim Mather: The Beauly Denny Local Public Inquiry considered a wide range of issues and the inquiry report was submitted to the Scottish Government on 18 February 2009. Ministers are now considering the report and will take a decision as soon as possible, after due consideration of the report and any other material considerations.

Energy

Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the First Minister, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism or any other minister visited the Mitsubishi Electric UK plant in Livingston, a manufacturer of air source heat pumps and employer of 420 people, in advance of the laying of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Domestic Microgeneration) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2009, which rejected general permitted development rights for such pumps.

Stewart Stevenson: No, although the views of stakeholders were sought through consultation prior to the Order being laid.

Energy

Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any of its officials visited the Mitsubishi Electric UK plant in Livingston, a manufacturer of air source heat pumps, during the process of drawing up a regulatory impact assessment in advance of the laying of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Domestic Microgeneration) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2009.

Stewart Stevenson: No, although the views of stakeholders were sought on a draft of the regulatory impact assessment.

Energy

Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the grounds were for rejecting general permitted development rights for air source heat pumps in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Domestic Microgeneration) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2009 and whether the criteria for planning approval differs from England and Wales and, if so, what the reasons are for its position on this matter.

Stewart Stevenson: Consultation confirmed that further work was needed to explore the feasibility of introducing permitted development rights for air source heat pumps and so it was decided to commission an independent study to examine the issues in further detail. The analysis of consultation responses can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/02/06145853/0 .

  There are currently no permitted development rights for air source heat pumps in either England or Wales.

Energy

Iain Smith (North East Fife) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when the planned independent study into the noise issues of air source heat pumps will be published; which organisation is undertaking the research, and how much the study cost.

Stewart Stevenson: We are currently undertaking a competitive tendering exercise to appoint a research contractor to undertake the study. This will explore the feasibility of introducing permitted development rights for air source heat pumps with recommendations expected before the end of this year. The guide price for the contract has been set at between £25-35,000 (excluding VAT).

Enterprise

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what its response is to the concerns of the Highland dress and tartan sectors about the implications of the recent vote by MEPs to prevent the manufacture and sale of sealskin products.

Jim Mather: The proposal to ban trade in seal products across the EU is a reserved matter. There will not be a total ban on sealskins in sporrans under the proposals. Inuit products from seals, sourced using traditional methods could still be traded. Also, non-commercial seal products which are by-products of marine management could still be used. There has been widespread concern about the inhumane nature of many seal hunts and the Scottish Government supports the tightening of trade in seal products. However, it also supports measures allowing sporrans manufactured in Scotland to be made from seal skins in a traditional way.

Enterprise

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it plans to have with stakeholders from the Highland dress and tartan industry about the implications of the recent vote by MEPs to prevent the manufacture and sale of sealskin products.

Jim Mather: Indications from the industry are that sporran makers can adapt if the use of sealskin is banned. Scottish ministers have not received any request for discussions on this matter.

Enterprise

Jamie McGrigor (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what it envisages that the financial implications will be for the Highland dress and tartan industry of the recent vote by MEPs to prevent the manufacture and sale of sealskin products.

Jim Mather: We have indication that the industry will consider alternatives, such as using bovine hides, pony skins, rabbit furs or synthetic materials for the manufacture of sporrans. Our important export markets for sporrans in the United States will not be affected, as seal skins are already banned in the US. Therefore we envisage that the financial implications will be minimal.

Ferry Services

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-23065 by Stewart Stevenson on 30 April 2009, what its reasons are for not making available copies of its submission to the European Commission regarding the state aid investigation into support for ferry services in Scotland.

Stewart Stevenson: The European Commission has previously agreed that it would not be appropriate for information relating to its investigations to be published whilst investigations are live. The decision not to provide the information requested reflects that practice as well as EC Regulation No 1049/2001 and the freedom of information legislation.

Hepatitis

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to ensure that effective statutory, voluntary and peer support is readily available for people being tested and going into treatment for hepatitis C.

Shona Robison: Under the Hepatitis C Phase 2 Action Plan, significant funding has been provided to NHS boards to improve the support services for those infected with hepatitis C. Managed Care Networks for hepatitis C have been set up in every NHS board area and all NHS boards have a local MCN Steering Group which includes representation from statutory and voluntary sector providers. The role of these steering groups is to drive the development of care pathways and associated service development, including support and care, in line with actions 1, 6 and 8 of the action plan.

  In addition, the Scottish Government has commissioned further support services for people with hepatitis C through a national tender open to local authorities and voluntary sector agencies. This tender has resulted in the funding of a number of charities providing a range of support and care services including peer support initiatives.

Housing

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-5628 by Stewart Maxwell on 31 October 2007, whether it intends to introduce new park home legislation in this parliamentary session.

Irene Oldfather (Cunninghame South) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to ensure that park home residents are offered the same level of protection as in England and Wales.

Alex Neil: I am currently reviewing options for the future development of mobile homes policy in Scotland. I will make an announcement shortly.

Influenza

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is to the NHS of extending eligibility for the free influenza vaccination programme to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Shona Robison: The current list of at-risk groups who are entitled to free seasonal flu vaccination is based on recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The JCVI consider all the most up to date evidence to inform their recommendations and to date have made no recommendation that pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers (other than those who are otherwise in an at-risk group) should receive the seasonal flu vaccination. Accordingly no work has been done to estimate the costs to the NHS from vaccinating these groups.

Influenza

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what the estimated cost is to the NHS of influenza-related illness in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Shona Robison: Five to ten percent of the population is affected by influenza each year during seasonal winter outbreaks, and there are costs and pressures on the NHS as a result of this. However, there are currently no estimates on costs to the NHS of influenza-related illness specifically in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Influenza

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what research it is aware of on the impacts on the child of influenza-related illness during pregnancy and while the mother is breastfeeding.

Shona Robison: A recent study Influenza vaccination in pregnancy, current evidence and selected national policies (T. Mak et al 2008) found that studies have shown that the viral risk to the foetus from maternal influenza infection is low, since trans-placental transmission of influenza infection is rare.

Influenza

Shirley-Anne Somerville (Lothians) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Executive what evidence it has of the effectiveness of the influenza vaccination in reducing influenza-related illnesses in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

Shona Robison: In scientific trials, influenza vaccines have consistently been shown to prevent laboratory-confirmed illness in between 70% and 90% of healthy adults. There is no evidence to suggest that the effectiveness of the vaccine in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is any different to effectiveness in the general population.

Justice

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16345 by Fergus Ewing on 16 October 2008, what progress it has made in developing a programme of rehabilitation for offenders convicted under section 74 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003.

Fergus Ewing: We provided YouthLink Scotland with £22,000 to develop an anti-sectarian resource pack for youth workers. The resource was piloted in Polmont Young Offenders Institution (YOI) and is now used for tackling sectarian attitudes among young offenders. I acknowledged the positive impact of the resource in Polmont YOI when I presented certificates of achievement to those who have successfully completed the course as part of the pilot on 19 November 2008, prior to me launching the finalised resource pack on 3 December 2008.

Justice

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is promoting the use of dried spot blood testing for hepatitis C virus infection.

Shona Robison: As part of the Hepatitis C Action Plan, funding has been provided to evaluate dried blood spot testing for hepatitis C diagnosis. If evaluation shows that testing of dried blood spot specimens is as accurate as using conventional blood testing, such an approach could provide a convenient alternative for use across different settings and would be supported by the Scottish Government.

Justice

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it or the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland has issued on the provision of substitute medicine and HIV medication, in particular highly active antiretroviral therapy, to people in police custody already prescribed such medicines.

Kenny MacAskill: The provision of medical care in police custody is determined at a local level, and each police force in Scotland has arrangements in place for the health care of those in their custody. The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland Health and Medical Services Reference Group, on which the Scottish Government is represented, is currently considering a range of issues relating to medical in police custody, with a view to identifying effective and efficient practices in the custody setting.

Justice

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have been diverted into diversion from prosecution schemes in each year since 2005, broken down by local authority area.

Kenny MacAskill: Social work diversion schemes aim to provide persons accused of minor offences with support and advice in relation to problems associated with their offending. In such cases, prosecution is deferred, subject to successful completion of the scheme.

  Full tables giving details of the operation of these schemes from 2003-04 to 2007-08 by local authority area are published on the Scottish Government website at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime-Justice/DPLA0708

  The information provided includes the number of referrals, assessments, cases commenced and successfully completed.

  Figures for 2008-09 are scheduled to be published toward the end of 2009.

Land Register

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much has been paid by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland in legal fees in cases involving rectification of mapping errors in the last five years, also broken down by year.

John Swinney: The following table sets out the legal fees paid out each year in connection with mapping rectifications, for the last five years.

  

 Year
 Number of Mapping Rectifications
 Amount Paid


 2004-05
 24
£22,092


 2005-06
 35
£36,600


 2006-07
 37
£28,670


 2007-08
 26
£28,431


 2008-09
 46
£78,064


 Total
 168
£193,855

Local Government Staff

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps ministers are taking to reduce the number of proposed redundancies by local authorities.

John Swinney: Employment matters are for local authorities themselves to manage, as independent corporate bodies.

Local Government Staff

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions ministers have had with COSLA regarding reducing the number of proposed redundancies by local authorities.

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions ministers have had with each local authority regarding reducing the number of proposed redundancies.

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to local authorities to reduce the number of proposed redundancies.

Ken Macintosh (Eastwood) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what support it will give to local authorities to enhance voluntary redundancy payments for employees.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government has regular discussions with COSLA on a range of issues involving local government, including finance. However, employment matters are for local authorities themselves to manage as independent corporate bodies within the resources available to them.

Ministerial Engagements

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the rail journeys to and from official engagements that each cabinet secretary and minister undertook in 2008-09.

John Swinney: The information requested is being collated and I will write to the member as soon as the information is available. A copy of the response will be available from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number. 48176).

NHS Hospitals

John Lamont (Roxburgh and Berwickshire) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many emergency hospital admissions there have been of patients assaulted with a sharp object in each year since 1998-99, broken down by NHS board.

Nicola Sturgeon: The following table shows the number of emergency hospital admissions due to assault by sharp object 1 , by NHS board of treatment discharged during financial years 1998-1999 to 2007-08.

  

 NHS Board
 1998-99
 1999-2000
 2000-01
 2001-02
 2002-03


 Ayrshire and Arran
 88
 84
 80
 97
 132


 Borders
 *
 7
 5
 *
 *


 Dumfries and Galloway
 16
 7
 9
 13
 8


 Fife
 25
 33
 36
 34
 27


 Forth Valley
 28
 23
 14
 42
 40


 Grampian
 59
 56
 62
 71
 70


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 766
 860
 729
 936
 1205


 Highland
 25
 46
 29
 25
 39


 Lanarkshire
 136
 145
 170
 201
 208


 Lothian
 104
 129
 152
 144
 132


 Orkney
 *
 *
 -
 *
 -


 Shetland
 -
 *
 *
 *
 *


 Tayside
 41
 50
 38
 40
 42


 Western Isles
 -
 -
 *
 *
 *


 NHS Scotland
 1,289
 1,443
 1,326
 1,610
 1,909



  

 NHS Board
 2003-04
 2004-05
 2005-06
 2006-07
 2007-08


 Ayrshire and Arran
 110
 107
 79
 104
 101


 Borders
 5
 *
 *
 5
 5


 Dumfries and Galloway
 13
 6
 10
 13
 5


 Fife
 33
 37
 21
 37
 30


 Forth Valley
 34
 30
 23
 18
 17


 Grampian
 59
 43
 55
 52
 45


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 892
 797
 747
 806
 779


 Highland
 19
 21
 13
 25
 9


 Lanarkshire
 155
 156
 142
 146
 109


 Lothian
 117
 121
 119
 127
 131


 Orkney
 *
 *
 -
 -
 *


 Shetland
 *
 *
 -
 -
 *


 Tayside
 39
 58
 36
 40
 45


 Western Isles
 -
 -
 *
 -
 -


 NHS Scotland
 1,478
 1,383
 1,248
 1,373
 1,278



  Source: Information Services Division Scotland (SMR01).

  Notes:

  *Suppressed to prevent disclosure of information about individual patients.

  -Zero value.

  1. Assault by sharp object is defined by ICD-10 codes X99.- in any secondary diagnosis position.

  Additional data and commentary on assault by sharp object is published as part of ISD’s Unintentional Injuries publication http://www.isdscotland.org/isd/5327.html.

NHS Staff

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many cleaning vacancies in hospitals there were in each month of the last two years for which information is available, broken down by NHS board and hospital.

Nicola Sturgeon: The information requested is not held centrally.

Osteoporosis

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking to encourage young people to take action to protect their bones in order to prevent osteoporosis and fragility fractures occurring in the future.

Nicola Sturgeon: As part of our anticipatory care approach to long-term conditions management, we recognise the benefits of taking steps to ensure strong bones throughout life. We are taking this forward through our wider work in supporting young people to make positive choices about their health and wellbeing by means of our programmes relating to smoking, alcohol, healthy eating and physical activity.

  The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 also places a duty on education authorities to ensure that schools promote health and wellbeing. NHS boards engage in community planning with local authority education departments and children’s services to take forward health promotion in schools, based on Scottish Government guidance. All of this work will have a positive impact on bone health.

Osteoporosis

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many individuals aged (a) up to 70 and (b) over 70 were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of osteoporosis in each of the last five years, broken down by gender and NHS board.

Nicola Sturgeon: The number of hospital discharges for patients aged 70 years and under, and 70 years and over with a diagnosis of osteoporosis, by NHS board, for year end 2004 to 2008, is shown in the following table. If a patient has more than one hospital discharge in a year, then each hospital discharge is counted.

  

 
 2004
 2005
 2006
 2007
 2008


Under 70
Over 70
Under 70
Over 70
Under 70
Over 70
Under 70
Over 70
Under 70
 Over 70


 Scotland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 591
 546
 718
 616
 718
 713
 664
 616
 619
 659


 Female
 1,919
 4,265
 2,180
 4,962
 2,113
 5,190
 2,123
 5,201
 2,051
 5,085


 Ayrshire and Arran
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 79
 50
 79
 41
 56
 35
 45
 32
 26
 36


 Female
 202
 372
 228
 422
 228
 385
 196
 414
 130
 244


 Borders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 6
 26
 9
 21
 15
 12
 13
 15
 12
 21


 Female
 22
 83
 28
 88
 23
 99
 34
 108
 30
 137


 Dumfries and Galloway
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 36
 23
 43
 28
 21
 34
 21
 16
 27
 18


 Female
 94
 229
 89
 192
 85
 210
 65
 158
 74
 189


 Fife
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 28
 35
 62
 46
 76
 73
 67
 77
 56
 47


 Female
 126
 382
 132
 403
 110
 372
 207
 472
 168
 487


 Forth Valley
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 5
 24
 7
 13
 11
 14
 4
 7
 3
 13


 Female
 27
 117
 33
 102
 21
 78
 16
 62
 21
 84


 Grampian
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 76
 57
 85
 51
 80
 74
 62
 59
 27
 44


 Female
 224
 478
 216
 513
 289
 640
 291
 646
 180
 501


 Greater Glasgow and Clyde
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 168
 187
 249
 235
 273
 220
 271
 181
 242
 230


 Female
 701
 1,314
 921
 1,645
 779
 1,743
 673
 1,556
 770
 1,588


 Highland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 25
 26
 25
 40
 39
 31
 33
 40
 52
 45


 Female
 115
 317
 112
 343
 132
 362
 174
 376
 163
 399


 Lanarkshire
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 39
 21
 16
 27
 28
 29
 14
 29
 25
 32


 Female
 85
 149
 100
 228
 88
 226
 90
 230
 111
 212


 Lothian
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 93
 74
 105
 74
 91
 140
 101
 104
 108
 106


 Female
 220
 565
 218
 683
 249
 739
 262
 739
 261
 772


 Orkney
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 1
 -
 1
 -
 -
 1
 2
 -
 -
 6


 Female
 8
 15
 7
 48
 4
 19
 7
 32
 19
 24


 Shetland
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 -
 -
 1
 1
 3
 5
 4
 1
 -
 -


 Female
 1
 11
 2
 9
 4
 19
 9
 36
 6
 19


 Tayside
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 35
 17
 36
 35
 23
 42
 23
 49
 34
 57


 Female
 88
 220
 88
 270
 92
 272
 92
 344
 103
 408


 Western Isles
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 -
 4
 -
 2
 1
 2
 3
 2
 4
 3


 Female
 2
 10
 2
 10
 3
 23
 6
 19
 9
 12


 Golden Jubilee
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 Male
 -
 2
 -
 2
 1
 1
 1
 4
 3
 1


 Female
 4
 3
 4
 6
 6
 3
 1
 9
 6
 9



  Source: Information Services Division (SMR01).

People with Learning Difficulties

Jackie Baillie (Dumbarton) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance it has published to inform and support local authorities in their plans to close or otherwise change day services for adults with learning disabilities.

Shona Robison: In 2006 The same as you? Implementation Group published Make my day! which reported on the progress made by local partnerships and shared good practice in the modernisation of day services for adults with learning disabilities. The report set out a number of things to guide the future development of day services.

  Neither The same as you? nor Make my day! advocate the closure of day services but encourage day services to modernise and focus more on education, employment and personal fulfilment.

Planning

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to consider single outcome agreements as a material consideration in planning decisions.

Stewart Stevenson: Legislation requires decisions to be taken on planning applications to be made in line with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

  There are two main tests in deciding whether a consideration is material and relevant. These are that it should serve or be related to the purpose of planning and should therefore relate to the development and use of land, and it should fairly and reasonably relate to the particular application.

  It is for the decision maker in the first instance, and ultimately for the courts, to decide whether a single outcome agreement fulfils the above criteria and if so, what weight should be attached to it in considering the applications.

Planning

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is appropriate to consider the National Performance Framework as a material consideration in planning decisions.

Stewart Stevenson: Legislation requires decisions to be taken on planning applications to be made in line with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.

  There are two main tests in deciding whether a consideration is material and relevant. These are that it should serve or be related to the purpose of planning and should therefore relate to the development and use of land, and it should fairly and reasonably relate to the particular application.

  It is for the decision maker in the first instance, and ultimately for the courts, to decide whether the National Performance Framework fulfils the above criteria and if so, what weight should be attached to it in considering the applications.

Planning

Peter Peacock (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the legal status of a planning decision would be if the National Performance Framework or a single outcome agreement that had not been subject to environmental assessment had been a material consideration in the decision making process.

Stewart Stevenson: It would ultimately be for the courts to determine in the individual circumstances of a case whether the absence of a Strategic Environmental Assessment on a document which was considered a material consideration in the determination of a planning application rendered that determination invalid.

Police

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) applied to become police constables and (b) been accepted into the probationer police constable scheme in each of the last 10 years, broken down by age at time of application.

Kenny MacAskill: The information requested is not held centrally.

Police

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many people have (a) applied to become police constables and (b) been accepted into the probationer police constable scheme in each of the last 10 years, broken down by gender.

Kenny MacAskill: The statistics on the number of people who applied to become police constables and those recruited to Scottish police forces, broken down by gender for the last 10 years, are given in the following table:

  

 Year
 Numbers of Formal Applications Submitted to Join the Police
 Numbers of Police Officers Recruited During the Year


 Total
 Male
 Female
 Total
 Male
 Female


 1998-99
 3,025
 2,187
 838
 368
 263
 105


 1999-2000
 4,052
 2,956
 1,096
 483
 343
 140


 2000-01
 8,820
 6,490
 2,330
 1,053
 714
 339


 2001-02
 6,182
 4,666
 1,516
 770
 558
 212


 2002-03
 5,773
 4,222
 1,551
 850
 582
 268


 2003-04
 5,590
 3,980
 1,610
 966
 660
 306


 2004-05
 5,956
 4,354
 1,602
 1,107
 736
 371


 2005-06
 5,168
 3,593
 1,575
 941
 629
 312


 2006-07
 4,139
 2,928
 1,211
 784
 509
 275


 2007-08
 4,573
 3,218
 1,355
 805
 555
 250

Police

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what details on the profile of people who apply to become police constables are stored by the police.

Kenny MacAskill: The recruitment documents of those persons who apply to become police constables may be retained by the relevant force under the ACPOS Recommended Records Retention Period guidance.

  The recruitment documentation for successful applicants will be transferred to the officers’ personnel file. For unsuccessful candidates the following documents may be retained for no more than the application decision year plus six additional years:

  Application Form

  Vetting Form

  Copy Birth Certificate

  Home Assessment

  Recruiting Database Records

  Record of Interview.

Police

Richard Baker (North East Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what the successful completion rates have been for probationer police constables in each of the last 10 years, broken down by course.

Kenny MacAskill: The information requested is not held centrally. For the available information on probationer police constables, broken down by course, I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21097, on 12 March 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at:

  http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Procurement

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18865 by John Swinney on 8 January 2009, when the guidance on consulting service users before and during any tendering or retendering process will be published.

John Swinney: The development of guidance on social care procurement, including advice on consultation with service users, is being take forward by the joint improvement team as a priority. Service users and their representative bodies are fully involved in the development of the guidance, which we now believe will be available in the autumn.

Rail Network

Charlie Gordon (Glasgow Cathcart) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is considering making representations to Network Rail that the upgrading of track gauges on the East Coast Main Line to accommodate larger freight loads should extend into Scotland.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-22707 on 29 April 2009. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change became aware of the decision by DB Schenker Rail to apply to change the timetabling of freight trains on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line to include operation between 11 pm and 7 am.

Stewart Stevenson: On 6 February 2009, the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change received a briefing about noise and vibration complaints generating from public concern about the night time freight operations on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change agreed to promote, sponsor or assist 24-hour working six days a week for DB Schenker Rail freight trains on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and, if so, when.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish ministers have no powers to control the time of the operation of freight trains whose operators have secured rights to track access through normal rail industry processes.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what issues were discussed, agreements were reached and decisions were made between DB Schenker Rail, Transport Scotland and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change in respect of freight train operations on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line at their meeting on 13 May 2008.

Stewart Stevenson: In respect of freight train operations on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line the issues discussed were:

  1. The contractual arrangements between DB Schenker and Clydeport;

  2. Track access charges;

  3. The public timetable change of 19 May 2008, and

  4. The industry process for developing passenger and freight timetables.

  DB Schenker agreed to write to Transport Scotland and suggest how these parties could work together to enable freight trains to operate alongside passenger trains on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line before December 2008. DB Schenker did write subsequently, and further discussions between Transport Scotland, DB Schenker and other parts of the rail industry took place to give effect to this.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, given the discussions of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway project steering group on version five of the timetable modelling study, at what point Transport Scotland offered or acceded to support any request from DB Schenker Rail to extend freight services including operation between 11 pm and 7 am contrary to the impact study by Scott Wilson and the statements at public meetings on the draft Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line Bill.

Stewart Stevenson: Scottish ministers’ powers are limited to the granting of a franchise for the operation of passenger services in Scotland and for overnight sleeper services to London. Those powers do not extend to the operation of freight trains. Therefore, when advised by DB Schenker that it wished to operate coal trains at night, Transport Scotland accepted that this was a matter over which Scottish ministers had no control.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when it and Transport Scotland first became aware that "the Alloa route was planned by Network Rail to be available 24 hours, 6 days a week to accommodate coal trains", as stated in a letter from DB Schenker Rail to Clackmannanshire Council on 4 March 2009.

Stewart Stevenson: Transport Scotland first became aware that agreement had been reached through the normal rail industry timetable setting process to accommodate 24 hour, six days a week pathing of coal trains along the Alloa route in July 2008.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change, Scottish Government officials or Transport Scotland consulted Clackmannanshire Council or the affected communities about the night-time operation of freight trains on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line and, if so, when and how they consulted.

Stewart Stevenson: No because the Scottish Government’s powers are limited to the specification of a franchise for the operation of passenger services in Scotland and for overnight sleeper services to London. Scottish Government powers do not extend to the operation of freight trains.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, given the emails from DB Schenker Rail to Transport Scotland, First ScotRail and Network Rail on 30 November and 11 December 2007 regarding the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line freight timetable study five showing "EWS horror at the loss of in excess of one hour in 83 mile (train) run" from Hunterston to Longannet, how many journeys were proposed by DB Schenker Rail prior to 13 May 2008; when night-time operation was first proposed and by whom, and what information it has on when the Office of the Rail Regulator granted rights to a timetable that included operation between 11 pm and 7 am on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine section of the Hunterston to Longannet line.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government is not aware of how many journeys were proposed by DB Schenker but Network Rail offered 12 paths, Hunterston through to Longannet and return, in their initial offer based on no overnight working.

  Proposals to undertake night time operations on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line were first communicated to Transport Scotland by EWS (now known as DB Schenker) on 15 February 2008.

  The Office of Rail Regulation grant Network Rail a licence to operate the rail system, which is reviewed from time to time, and a revised licence came into operation on 1 April 2009. DB Schenker hold a network wide access agreement with Network Rail that is approved by the Office of Rail Regulation. Network Rail is responsible for determining freight timetables in conjunction with freight operating companies in accordance with their access agreements.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what requirement exists for Transport Scotland, Network Rail, freight train operators and the Office of the Rail Regulator to consult the affected communities prior to amending train timetables to include night-time operating and what requirements exist for these organisations to undertake a revised impact study when the original study specifically excludes freight trains between certain hours, such as between 11 pm and 7 am in the case of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.

Stewart Stevenson: During the parliamentary process to support re-opening the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line the Promoter, Clackmannanshire Council, submitted a memorandum to the parliamentary committee entitled the Promoters Memorandum on Existing Railway Processes . This document set out that the hours of operation of the railway are not within the powers to be granted under the Bill and are regulated by other public bodies under a range of different legislation.

  The Committees Consideration Stage Report May 2004 acknowledged these restrictions upon the Promoters by stating "It is important to note that the scope of the Bill includes only the construction of a railway between Stirling and Kincardine (via Alloa) together with associated works. It is not within the scope of the Bill for it to be amended to include matters that pertain to the operation of the railway (for example the speeds of trains or the times at which they should run)."

  Network Rail is responsible for operation of railway infrastructure under the Railways Act 1993 and is responsible for determining freight timetables in conjunction with rail freight operating companies, who in turn respond to the needs of their freight customers.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the 2,200 ton trailing weight referred to in the minutes of the meeting between DB Schenker Rail, First ScotRail, Transport Scotland and Network Rail on 22 February 2008 was the same as the weight used in the 2002 Scott Wilson impact study and what the proposed increase in the trailing weight is following the lengthening of the Elderslie loop.

Stewart Stevenson: The weight used in the Scott Wilson Report was based on the use of 20 x HTA wagons each weighing 100 tonnes, therefore the Environmental Statement assumed a trailing weight of 2,000 tonnes.

  There is no proposal to increase the trailing weight of Hunterston – Longannet trains on the completion of the lengthening of Elderslie loop

  The objective of the Elderslie loop lengthening project is to replace Arkleston up loop, which will be incorporated into the new four track layout east of Paisley. It will increase operational flexibility and allow freight trains to be recessed clear of the main line during perturbations.

  It will not facilitate increases in the trailing weights of Hunterston – Longannet trains as these trains are limited to 23 x HTA wagons due to constraints on the track and signalling within the Longannet Power station site.

  Currently the Hunterston - Longannet trains are unable to be recessed in Elderslie loop and the timetable is constructed on that basis. Thus whilst the lengthening of Elderslie loop will allow longer, hence, heavier trains to use the loop, it will not impact on the trailing weight of the Hunterston – Longannet trains.

Rail Network

Dr Richard Simpson (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what estimate Transport Scotland has made of the cost of the additional rolling stock needed to avoid night-time operating on the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.

Stewart Stevenson: Provision of rolling stock for the operation of freight trains is a matter for freight train operating companies.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what action it is taking to minimise the impact of wind farms on aviation, including radar interference, physical obstruction of aircraft or impact on low flying.

Jim Mather: We have established a South West Scotland Regional Aviation Solution Sub Group with airport radar operators and developers to investigate the development and application of a regional solution in the south west of Scotland and that such an endeavour should be concentrated where it is likely to free up the most megawatts of electricity by the alleviation of aviation objections. Information on the discussions so far, is available on the Energy Consents website:

  www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-Consents/Guidance.

  In a UK national context, Scottish Government officials are also actively participating in the Aviation Advisory Panel discussions in partnership with key stakeholders in the aviation sector to resolve the potential impacts of wind farms on radar systems.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what research has been carried out into the impact of wind farms on aviation and possible steps to minimise such impact.

Jim Mather: Considerable research has been undertaken into the impact of wind farms on both civil and military aviation and these can be accessed via the British Wind Energy Association website:

  http://www.bwea.com/aviation/aviation_resources.html.

  The Scottish Government is chairing the South West Scotland Regional Aviation Solution Sub-group with the remit to investigate the development and application of a regional solution in the south west of Scotland and the concentration of such an endeavour where it is likely to free up the most megawatts of electricity by the alleviation of aviation objections. Information on the discussions so far, is available on the Energy Consents website: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-Consents/Guidance

  In a UK national context, Scottish Government officials are also actively participating in the Aviation Advisory Panel discussions in partnership with key stakeholders in the aviation sector to resolve the potential impacts of wind farms on radar systems.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many wind farm applications have been rejected due to aviation issues.

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many turbines have not been built due to the rejection of applications because of aviation issues and what the equivalent megawatt capacity is.

Jim Mather: The following section 36 wind farm applications were refused by Scottish ministers. Both refusals were based in part on aviation issues.

  

 Wind Farm
 Number of Turbines
 Megawatt Capacity


 Greenock
 22
 55


 Kyle 
 85
 255



  Other smaller scale wind farm applications of 50MW or less are considered under the Town and Country Planning Act 1997 by the relevant planning authorities throughout Scotland. Information on these applications is not centrally held.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will list the wind farm applications that have been rejected due to aviation issues in the last five years.

Jim Mather: The following section 36 wind farm applications were refused by Scottish ministers.

  

 Wind Farm
 Number of Turbines
 Megawatt Capacity


 Greenock
 22
 55


 Kyle 
 85
 255



  Other smaller scale wind farm applications of 50MW or less are considered under the Town and Country Planning Act 1997 by the relevant planning authorities throughout Scotland. Information on these applications is not centrally held.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what steps it is taking, in collaboration with industry and others, to develop a means of addressing concerns about the potential impact of wind farms on aviation.

Jim Mather: We have established a South West Scotland Regional Aviation Solution Sub Group with airport radar operators and developers to investigate the development and application of a regional solution in the south west of Scotland and that such an endeavour should be concentrated where it is likely to free up the most megawatts of electricity by the alleviation of aviation objections. Information on the discussions so far, is available on the Energy Consents website:

  www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-Consents/Guidance.

  In a UK national context, Scottish Government officials are also actively participating in the Aviation Advisory Panel discussions in partnership with key stakeholders in the aviation sector to resolve the potential impacts of wind farms on radar systems.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what meetings have taken place to discuss the potential impact of wind farms on aviation.

Jim Mather: The Scottish Government has established a South West Scotland Regional Aviation Solution Sub Group with airport radar operators and developers to investigate the development and application of a regional solution in the south west of Scotland and that such an endeavour should be concentrated where it is likely to free up the most megawatts of electricity by the alleviation of aviation objections. The sub group is made up of National Air Traffic Services, Ministry of Defence, Civil Aviation Authority, airport operators and wind farm developers. Information on the discussions so far, is available on the Energy Consents website:

  www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-Consents/Guidance.

  In a UK national context, Scottish Government officials are also actively participating in the Aviation Advisory Panel discussions in partnership with key stakeholders in the aviation sector to resolve the potential impacts of wind farms on radar systems.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the potential impact of wind farms on aviation.

Jim Mather: In response to each statutory consultation on specific wind farm applications, National Air Traffic Services, Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Defence and airport operators may offer Scottish ministers advice on aviation implications.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received about the need to set up a group to develop solutions to minimise the impact of wind farms on aviation.

Jim Mather: During regular meetings with Industry, and with aviation radar providers, the issue of impacts on radar systems from wind farms was raised. We recognised that there were significant implications for wind farm development and have therefore established the South West Scotland Regional Aviation Solution Sub Group to investigate the development and application of a regional solution in the south west of Scotland and that such an endeavour should be concentrated where it is likely to free up the most megawatts of electricity by the alleviation of aviation objections. Information on the discussions so far, is available on the Energy Consents website:

  www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Business-Industry/Energy/Energy-Consents/Guidance.

Renewable Energy

Liam McArthur (Orkney) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many onshore wind farm developments for which approval has been granted are awaiting resolution of aviation issues, broken down by the number of turbines and the equivalent megawatt capacity.

Jim Mather: The following wind farms have been approved by ministers under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and currently await the resolution of aviation issues.

  

 Wind Farm
 Number of Turbines
 Megawatts


 Clyde
 152
 548


 Whitelee Ext 1
 36
 130


 Blacklaw
 7
 16.1



  Other smaller scale wind farms of 50 MW or less are considered under the Town and Country Planning Act 1997 by the relevant planning authorities throughout Scotland. Information on these applications is not centrally held.

Rural Development

Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive what effects the review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme will have on the Scottish National Rural Network.

Richard Lochhead: The requirement for a Scottish National Rural Network is a specific legal requirement by the European Commission. The remit for the first stage review of the Scotland Rural Development Programme did not include specific reference to the Scottish National Rural Network. The government will make public the findings of the review at a later date.

Schools

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what representations it has received from local authorities regarding funding for school building programmes.

Keith Brown: Local authorities regularly make representations to Government regarding funding for infrastructure investment, including schools. The Government is supporting record capital funding – some £2 billion over the two years 2008-10 – to improve Scotland’s infrastructure, including schools and we are on track to lift 100,000 pupils out of crumbling schools and into modern, new classrooms during the lifetime of this Parliament.

  We have already indicated our intention to announce later this year the next part of our schools investment programme. That will involve working with local authorities to take forward capital investment through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what progress has been made towards the introduction of a new funding stream to support school building through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Futures Trust will operate as a funding mechanism.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when the Scottish Futures Trust will have its own funding capability.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when information will be available regarding the future funding model of the Scottish Futures Trust.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when local authorities will be able to access revenue funding through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how it is working with local authorities to take forward capital investment through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had with local authorities regarding revenue funding through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what the forecast date is for the completion of the first (a) school, (b) waste management scheme, (c) flood prevention scheme, (d) transport project and (e) NHS facility funded through the Scottish Futures Trust.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing delivery and funding strategies for the higher and further education sector.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is optimising investment under the Prudential Code using new techniques such as future modelling, tax increment funding and developer contributions.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is reducing the cost of existing PFI contracts.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing strategic aspects of infrastructure investment, particularly market issues and capacity.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing the planning, delivery and financing of health projects and programmes.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing the planning, delivery and financing of education projects and programmes.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing the planning, delivery and financing of flood prevention projects and programmes.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing the planning, delivery and financing of waste projects and programmes.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is developing the planning, delivery and financing of housing projects and programmes.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Futures Trust is operating as the Scottish Government planned.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what improvements it considers could be made to the Scottish Futures Trust to make it more effective.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Scottish Futures Trust represents value for money.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the Scottish Futures Trust is operating effectively in the delivery of infrastructure projects.

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Scottish Futures Trust offers an alternative funding mechanism to PPP/PFI.

John Swinney: The aim of the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) is to become the focal point in Scotland for action in infrastructure investment and the pursuit of value for money for the taxpayer. To achieve value for money, SFT will consider a range of funding and procurement options including the NPD model for funding projects. It is unlikely to be a direct funder of projects in the short to medium-term but will instead use its expertise, to be an arranger of funding that is cheaper overall than PFI, taking into account all factors, including risk.

  Initially, SFT is working to secure greater value from the funding that the public sector is already planning to invest. In due course, SFT will develop proposals setting out how investment might be channelled for Scottish infrastructure priorities – what the SFT’s Strategic Business Case refers to as SFT Finance and Investment - with proposals due to come forward in 2009-10.

  SFT’s first priority has been to take forward the workstreams identified in the Business Case. That work represents a two year programme but the major focus in the short-term is on delivery of hub pathfinders and the initial projects which will be delivered through them. The other early focus is developing with a broad range of stakeholders, a national strategy for the delivery and funding of schools. To this end SFT is a member of the joint Scottish Government/COSLA School Estate Strategy Working Group which is developing a new School Estate Strategy.

  I have already made clear that we are planning to announce later this year the next part of our schools investment programme which will involve working with local authorities to take forward capital investment through SFT. It should also be noted that on 12 March this year following quality assurance work by SFT, Orkney Islands Council commissioned its schools NPD project by advertising for a partner to carry out the construction of the schools.

  One further area of early activity has been the exploration of the tax increment financing concept. The full range of SFT’s initial activities will be published in their forthcoming Business Plan.

  I am satisfied that SFT is progressing along the path envisaged and is already making an important contribution to infrastructure investment. During the development of SFT, the Scottish Government has been investing, and continues to invest in Public infrastructure, at record levels. In the current year the £3.5 billion budget has been boosted by accelerated expenditure of £293 million from 2010-11 for a range of projects including affordable housing and town centre regeneration.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many officials are working on the development of a future funding model for the Scottish Futures Trust.

John Swinney: The Scottish Futures Trust currently has nine staff members working on a number of projects each of which involves consideration of relevant funding options.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how the Scottish Futures Trust is providing support for the process of gateway reviews.

John Swinney: While the Scottish Futures Trust carries out quality assurance of projects, mostly through Key Stage Reviews, it does not undertake Gateway Reviews. The Scottish Government’s Centre of Expertise for Project/Programme Delivery is the accredited "hub" for carrying out Gateway Reviews in Scotland.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when it last held discussions with (a) local authorities, (b) the Scottish Building Federation, (c) the CBI, (d) the Federation of Small Businesses, (e) Audit Scotland, (f) the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, (g) trade unions and (h) any other bodies regarding the role of the Scottish Futures Trust.

John Swinney: A wide range of organisations and individuals were contacted as part of the Scottish Futures Trust (SFT) consultation exercise between December 2007 and March 2008. Views were received from 17 local authorities, the Scottish Building Federation, CBI Scotland, Audit Scotland, trade unions and over sixty additional organisations, details of which are listed on the Scottish Government’s website. The SFT Strategic Business case published in May 2008 took into account those views. Discussions are on-going.

Scottish Futures Trust

Jeremy Purvis (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it is aware of any concerns from (a) local authorities, (b) the Scottish Building Federation, (c) the CBI, (d) the Federation of Small Businesses, (e) Audit Scotland, (f) the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, (g) trade unions and (h) any other bodies over progress on the Scottish Futures Trust and, if so, which organisations expressed concerns and of what nature.

John Swinney: The Scottish Government maintains a regular dialogue with many organisations on the development of infrastructure and the Scottish Futures Trust.

Scottish Futures Trust

David Whitton (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-21405 by John Swinney on 6 March 2009, when the Scottish Futures Trust will publish an annual report on its activities together with its audited annual accounts.

John Swinney: The Scottish Futures Trust has until 31 December 2009 to lay its annual report and accounts for the 2008-09 year before the Scottish Parliament.

Sectarianism

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-18009 by Fergus Ewing on 5 December 2008, how many of the 33 projects awarded funding from the Race, Religion and Refugee Integration Fund have developed projects specifically aimed at tackling sectarianism since the award was made, broken down by organisation and title of the project.

Fergus Ewing: We are supporting a range of activities to tackle intra-Christian sectarianism including providing funding Sense Over Sectarianism with £412,500 over the 2008-11 period to deliver community-based anti-sectarian projects in the Glasgow and travel to work area, and Nil by Mouth with £118,294 over the 2009-11 period to take forward a project on sectarianism in the workplace. In addition we provided YouthLink Scotland with £22,000 to develop an anti-sectarian resource pack for youth workers and I launched this on 3 December 2008. Whilst a number of the 33 projects listed will contribute to tackling sectarianism, none is specifically or solely focused on doing so.

  http://www.scotlandagainstracism.com/onescotland/366.1.223.html.

Sectarianism

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S3W-16345 by Fergus Ewing on 16 October 2008, whether it has reached a decision on producing detailed annual reports on crime aggravated by religious prejudice.

Fergus Ewing: The Crown Office and Procurator Service publishes annual statistics to provide a snap-shot of charges which were aggravated by religiously motivated prejudice on its website. This information can be viewed at:

  http://www.copfs.gov.uk/About/Departmental-Overview/diversity/racist-crime/Analysus.

  There are no plans to carry out further analysis at this time.

Social Care

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many older people there were in private nursing homes at the most recent date for which information is available and how this compares with the number in May 2007.

Shona Robison: The Scottish Care Homes Census takes place in March each year. At March 2007, there were 24,242 residents in private care homes for older people. At March 2008, the most recent published census there were 24,120.

Social Work

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many student units it is funding through the Scottish Social Services Council in 2009-10.

Adam Ingram: For 2009-10 a budget of £2.377 million has been allocated to the Scottish Social Services Council for distribution to higher educational institutions to support practice learning placements for students undertaking the social work honours degree.

Social Work

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how many students were placed in student units supported by the Scottish Social Services Council in the last five years, broken down by local authority area.

Adam Ingram: This is a matter for higher educational institutions. This information is not held centrally.

Social Work

Bill Butler (Glasgow Anniesland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive how much money it provided through the Scottish Social Services Council to support student units in 2008-09.

Adam Ingram: In 2008-09 the Scottish Social Services Council distributed £2.236 million to higher educational institutions to support practice learning placements for students undertaking the social work honours degree.

Student Finance

Claire Baker (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive when the results of the next Scottish Student Income, Expenditure and Debt Survey will be published.

Fiona Hyslop: The results of the Scottish Student Income, Expenditure and Debt Survey 2007-08 will be published before the summer recess 2009. The report and accompanying research findings are currently at a draft stage and have yet to be fully quality assured. Once the report and research findings have been finalised a publication date can be determined, however it is anticipated that this will be before the summer recess 2009.

  The full report and accompanying research findings will be published online.

Student Finance

Murdo Fraser (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many individual student loan accounts were passed to debt collection agencies by the Student Loans Company in each year from 2005-06 to 2008-09.

Fiona Hyslop: The following table shows Scottish domiciled Student Loans Company (SLC) borrowers whose accounts have been passed to debt collection agencies in each financial year from 2005-06 to 2008-09.

  Number of SLC Customers with Accounts Passed to Debt Collection Agencies

  

 Financial Year
 


 2005-06
 4,490


 2006-07
 3,120


 2007-08
 2,420


 2008-09
 2,050



  Source: Student Loans Company.

  Notes:

  1. Customer numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest 10.

  2. Scottish domiciled borrowers only.

  3. These figures will include both customers whose debt is publically owned and those whose debt is owned by a private company.

Student Finance

Gavin Brown (Lothians) (Con): To ask the Scottish Executive how many higher education students in the Lothians region have been declared bankrupt or have petitioned for bankruptcy in each of the last 10 years.

Fiona Hyslop: The following table shows Scottish domiciled Student Loans Company (SLC) borrowers from the Lothians who have declared sequestration (been declared bankrupt) in each financial year from 1998-99 to 2007-08. This table includes both those who are currently undertaking higher education courses and those who have finished their studies.

  Number of SLC Borrowers Entering Sequestration

  

 Financial Year
 


 1998-99
 5


 1999-2000
 15


 2000-01
 10


 2001-02
 10


 2002-03
 15


 2003-04
 25


 2004-05
 15


 2005-06
 30


 2006-07
 35


 2007-08
 35


 Total
 190



  Source: SLC.

  1. Student numbers have been rounded up or down to the nearest five.

  2. The figures are for Scottish domiciled borrowers only.

  3. The SLC does not hold details of those borrowers who are petitioning for sequestration.

  4. The figures include all those who have a loan product from the SLC or who have ever had one and have declared sequestration where the SLC has been notified of the sequestration.

  5. The table applies to publically owned debt only.

  6. Those declaring IVA (Individual Voluntary Agreement) or Trust Deed are not included.

  7. Borrowers have been classed as living in the Lothians based on their current home address. They may not have studied or lived in this area at the time of sequestration.

  8. Sequestrations are shown in the year they were declared, not the year in which the SLC was notified.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive in which institutions the 4% reduction in intake targets for teacher training places, as announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897), will be made.

Keith Brown: The proposed reduction of the original increased targets in intakes for this coming academic year only applies to one year postgraduate courses. The institutions affected are the Universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Strathclyde and the University of the West of Scotland.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation one in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that there needs to be greater reconciliation between local workforce decision making and the national workforce planning process, whether the Scottish Government has begun to work with COSLA to put arrangements in place to achieve this and, if so, what these arrangements will be and, if not, when it plans to do so.

Keith Brown: The Scottish Government accepted all of the recommendations of the Teacher Employment Working Group. Officials wrote to Local authorities concerning the recommendations on 12 December 2008. In relation to recommendation one a seminar was held on 18 May 2009 with representatives of local authorities and officials responsible for workforce planning at a national level. Further discussions will be held with the aim of informing the 2010 and subsequent teacher workforce planning rounds.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation two in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that the General Teaching Council for Scotland should conduct a longitudinal study on a cohort of probationers to obtain a better understanding of employment patterns and behaviours for an extended period beyond probation, whether the Scottish Government has acted on this recommendation and, if not, whether it plans to do so and, if so, when.

Keith Brown: Officials wrote to the General Teaching Council on 12 December 2008 concerning the recommendations of the Teacher Employment Working Group. Under the terms of the Teacher Employment Working Group recommendations the conduct of a longitudinal study on a cohort of probationers is a matter for the General Teaching Council for Scotland. The Scottish Government is in discussion with the council about how such a survey could be conducted.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation two in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group , whether it has invited the General Teaching Council for Scotland to conduct a longitudinal study on a cohort of probationers to obtain a better understanding of employment patterns and behaviours for an extended period beyond probation and, if so, when the results of the study will be available.

Keith Brown: Yes. Officials wrote to the General Teaching Council for Scotland on 12 December 2008 and we are in discussion on the nature of the study and its duration.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation two in the October 2009 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group , what action it has taken to consider how to gather more reliable information about the employment position of post-probation teachers on a recurring annual basis and when its conclusions on this matter will be available.

Keith Brown: We are discussing this issue with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation three in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that research should be commissioned by the Scottish Government to establish whether the changing economic climate is altering the retirement intentions of teachers, whether it has commissioned such research and, if not, whether it plans to do so and, if so, when.

Keith Brown: Officials wrote to local authorities on 12 December 2008. This research is being taken forward within the Scottish Government.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation four in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that local authority employers should wherever possible use post-probation teachers to fill supply vacancies, what action it is taking to ensure this.

Keith Brown: Recommendation four of the Teacher Employment Working Group that local authority employers should wherever possible use post-probation teachers to fill supply vacancies is a matter for local authorities as employers.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation five in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group , what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that local authorities consider making more use of permanent supply pools to ensure that stable employment opportunities are available to post-probation teachers.

Keith Brown: The use of permanent supply pools of teachers is a matter for local authorities in light of local circumstances. Officials wrote to Local authorities on 12 December 2008.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation six in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that there should be a review of means of early release including teacher winding down arrangements, whether the Scottish Government has begun such a review and, if not, whether it plans to do so and, if so, when the results will be available.

Keith Brown: The Scottish Government has been exploring options for early release with COSLA and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency. These discussions have included consideration as to how local authorities might make better use of the existing flexibilities contained in the Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme (STSS) for members to access their retirement benefits early. Our discussions are on-going.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation seven in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that the Teacher Workforce Planning Group revisit specifically modelling teacher demand at secondary subject level, whether the Scottish Government has instructed the Teacher Workforce Planning Group to do so and, if not, whether it plans to so and, if so, when the results will be available.

Keith Brown: Specific subject modelling in secondary subjects formed part of the 2009 teacher workforce planning exercise and will continue in subsequent years.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation eight in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that the preference waiver payment level be raised to £8,000 for secondary school probationers, whether the Scottish Government has done this and, if not, whether it plans to do so and, if so, to what timescale.

Keith Brown: The preference waiver payment level for secondary school probationers has been increased to £8,000 from August 2009.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation nine in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group , what action it is taking to ensure that local authorities and university faculties of education liaise more closely with a view to identifying appropriate opportunities to increase the number of initial teacher education students having their courses delivered by distance learning or at a remote campus.

Keith Brown: This recommendation was drawn to the attention of local authorities and universities in a letter from the Scottish Government on 12 December 2008. While Scottish Government officials stand ready to assist and contribute to discussions, this is fundamentally a matter for the parties directly involved.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation 10 in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group , what action it is taking to ensure that information provided to students about the teacher induction scheme includes relevant data about probationer employment patterns by local authorities.

Keith Brown: We are working with stakeholders to agree how the most relevant and unambiguous data can be collated and presented, with a view to having this available for students applying in autumn 2009 to join the 2010-11 teacher induction scheme.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation 11 in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group , what action it is taking to ensure that probationers’ understanding of the system is better managed in order to ensure that there is no unrealistic expectation of immediate local permanent employment.

Keith Brown: Officials from the Scottish Government and the General Teaching Council for Scotland visit all teacher education universities prior to students applying to join the teacher induction scheme to outline the key features of the scheme. The presentation delivered to students in autumn 2008 included appropriate references to likely future employment prospects with a view to ensuring that students have realistic expectations in this regard and this will continue in subsequent years.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of recommendation 12 in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group that the Scottish Government should commission research into what might persuade teachers to relocate to teach in other parts of Scotland where recruitment patterns suggest teacher employment prospects are better, whether it has commissioned such research and, if not, whether it plans to do so and, if so, when.

Keith Brown: This research is being taken forward within the Scottish Government and the results are expected in August 2009.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it remains its position that increasing the number of teachers and cutting class sizes is key to improving discipline in schools.

Keith Brown: There is no single reason or solution for negative behaviour in schools and we need to continually develop and innovate to make sure children and young people are included and engaged in Curriculum for Excellence. The Scottish Government remains committed to reducing class sizes as key to improving discipline in schools alongside other key strategies and provision including restorative practices, nurture groups, and staged interventions of joint assessment and planning for children and young people who persistently misbehave in class.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made of the impact on teacher numbers of the 4% reduction in the intake targets for teacher training courses announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897).

Keith Brown: The proposed reductions in teacher intake will ensure that we have an appropriate balance between the supply and demand of teachers.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that the 4% reduction in the intake targets for teacher training courses announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897) will meet the SNP’s 2007 manifesto commitment to increase teacher numbers.

Keith Brown: The local government finance settlement and the concordat provided resources to maintain teacher numbers. Intakes to postgraduate teacher training courses have been adjusted this year to better balance the supply of, and demand for, teachers.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive when the institutions that offer teacher training courses were informed of the impact of the 4% reduction in the intake targets for teacher training courses announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897).

Keith Brown: Deans of Education were informed at a meeting on 2 April 2009 of the intention to reduce the original target intakes for postgraduate teacher training courses for the coming academic year. This was confirmed by letter on 3 April 2009. Officials wrote to the Scottish Funding Council on 17 April 2009 and the Funding Council wrote to institutions on 30 April 2009.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it has had regarding teacher numbers with the institutions that will be affected by the 4% reduction in the intake targets for teacher training courses announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897).

Keith Brown: A meeting with the Deans of Education was held on 2 April 2009 to discuss reductions in intakes. This matter was also discussed at a meeting of the Scottish Teacher Education Committee on 24 April 2009.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive what discussions it plans to hold with the institutions that will be affected by the 4% reduction in the intake targets for teacher training courses announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897) about the impact that this will have.

Keith Brown: A meeting with the Deans of Education was held on 2 April 2009 to discuss reductions in intakes. The matter was also discussed at a meeting of the Scottish Teacher Education Committee on 24 April 2009. The position was formalised in correspondence, officials writing to the Scottish Funding Council on 17 April 2009 with the Council writing to institutions on 30 April 2009. We have arranged to meet the Deans of Education again on 24 June 2009.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any institutions that offer teacher training courses have made representations to it regarding the available number of places on teacher training courses and, if so, (a) which institutions, (b) when these representations were made and (c) what the outcomes were.

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether any institutions that offer teacher training courses have made representations to it about the impact of the 4% reduction in the intake targets for teacher training courses announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897).

Keith Brown: We have on-going discussions with the Deans of Education.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 12 recommendations in the October 2008 Report of the Teacher Employment Working Group (a) have been completed and (b) are in progress.

Keith Brown: All of the recommendations of the Teacher Employment Working Group are being taken forward. Three of the recommendations have been completed.

Teachers

Margaret Smith (Edinburgh West) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive whether it considers that reducing the intake to teacher training courses by 4%, as confirmed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning on 30 April 2009 ( Official Report c. 16897), is contrary to paragraph nine in its letter to the Scottish Funding Council dated January 2009 entitled Teacher Workforce Planning: Initial Teacher Education (ITE), which states that "Increasing the BEd numbers does not address demographic needs or class size reduction policies in the short term due to the course length. There therefore continues to be a need for substantial number of PGDE students".

Keith Brown: Substantial numbers of postgraduate initial teacher education students will still enter training in 2009. Following revised guidance 1,350 students will enter the primary course and 1,050 the secondary course. This level of PGDE students still exceeds the average intake of such students in the last seven years of the previous administration.

Transport Scotland

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what efficiency savings have been made by Transport Scotland since May 2007.

Stewart Stevenson: I refer the member to the answer to question S3W-21400 on 4 March 2009. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/Apps2/Business/PQA/Default.aspx .

  The Outturn Report for 2007-08 can be found on the internet at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/10/Outturn2008.

  The 2008-09 Outturn Report is scheduled to be published in October and will, like previous reports, be placed in the Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre.

Transport Scotland

George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what changes have been made to the senior management structure of Transport Scotland since the departure of Malcolm Reed as chief executive.

Stewart Stevenson: Prior to the retirement of Dr Reed, the responsibilities of the Director of Finance and Corporate Services post were combined with those of the Director of Business Improvement, as an interim measure. The Permanent Secretary has agreed with the current Chief Executive of Transport Scotland that the post of Finance Director should be separated from the remainder of Corporate Services. The post of Director of Business Improvement will become Director of Corporate Services and Business Improvement. Arrangements are being put in place to fill the Finance Director post.

Wheelchairs

Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what guidance is given to local authorities in relation to the licensing of taxis regarding the provision of wheelchair capability.

Stewart Stevenson: The Scottish Government circulated a best practice guide on taxi and private hire car licensing in December 2007, Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. number 48083). This includes information on disabilities and accessibility. In addition, the then Scottish Executive wrote to licensing authorities on 6 February 2001, encouraging them to increase provision of accessible taxis.

Young Offenders

Robert Brown (Glasgow) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many children under 16 have been held in (a) prison establishments, (b) young offenders institutions and (c) secure accommodation in each year since 1999, broken down by age.

Kenny MacAskill: I have asked Mike Ewart, Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, to respond. His response is as follows:

  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Number of Children Under 16 held in Scottish prisons or young offender institutions: 1999 to 2008

  

 
 Numbers Held in
 Number of Individuals


 Prisons
 In Young Offender Institutions


 1999
 6
 11
 12


 2000
 14
 11
 15


 2001
 14
 11
 19


 2002
 20
 21
 26


 2003
 18
 17
 22


 2004
 18
 18
 23


 2005
 3
 17
 17


 2006
 4
 25
 26


 2007
 1
 15
 15


 2008
 3
 12
 15



  Notes:

  1. The total number of individuals is given in the third column since an individual may have been held both in prison and a young offenders institution during the reporting period. In this case, they will be counted twice in the table.

  2. Data for 2008 are provisional.

  The number of children admitted to secure accommodation is published in Secure accommodation statistics 2007-08 (table 2). This is available on the Scottish Government website at:

  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/09/09105012/0.